The Top 10 Credenzas

Designers Sara Story and Neal Beckstedt get the lowdown on these sleek cabinets that bring star power to more than just the dining room

Designers Sara Story and Neal Beckstedt get the lowdown on these sleek cabinets that bring star power to more than just the dining room

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Neal Beckstedt
Recently tapped to decorate the conservatory of the 2012 Kips Bay showhouse, this New York designer creates contemporary, casual-chic interiors for fashion-world insiders like Derek Lam. nbeckstedtstudio.comSara Story
The Manhattan decorator has brought her elegant, worldly style to homes from Texas to Singapore. She is at work on a line of Asianinspired wallpapers.sarastorydesign.com
In the homes of the well-to-do in Renaissance Italy, no dining room was complete without a credenza— a sturdy sideboard with storage and a place to set dishes. In the mid-20th century, the piece had a renaissance of its own. The clean-lined, elongated new versions, such as Florence Knoll's 1961 classic, proved to be as functional in the office or living area as they had been near the dinner table.
For decorator Sara Story, the credenza might call to mind a Mad Men set, but it plays an essential role in today's interiors. "It offers great storage without taking over the room," she says. It's important to consider how a piece opens, she adds: "In a tight spot, sliding doors are a plus."
Designer Neal Beckstedt finds that height is a key element: Taller cabinets work well in dining or bar areas, while low units can hold a TV. "Credenzas are now more media driven," he says. But thanks to modern remote-control technology, he adds, much of the equipment can hide behind closed doors.

Neal Beckstedt and Sara Story with credenzas by USM Modular Furniture, left, and BDDW. Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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The mix of materials in this credenza appeals to Sara Story. "I love the white lacquer against the oxidized maple," she says. "It has an organic feel, but the bronze-capped feet give it a touch of elegance." The craftsmanship is top quality, Neal Beckstedt adds, pointing out the carved-ebony hardware: "The quirky pulls offer a great tactile experience." He sees the two-drawer, twodoor piece in the living area or bedroom of an urban loft. Additional woods, lacquer finishes, and sizes are available. 78" w. x 22" d. x 28" h. $11,800; bddw.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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Made of solid walnut with a stainless steel base, this low-slung unit has a natural look, says Beckstedt. The drawers are sized for DVDs, and the cubbies are predrilled for electronics, he notes. "You can stack books inside, and put sculptural objects on top," Story suggests. "This could go in a city apartment or a contemporary beach house." 72" w. x 18" d. x 20" h.; $1,499; crateandbarrel.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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Story is a fan of this credenza, which is part of a furniture system designed in the 1960s. "It's timeless and versatile—perfect for an office, library, or playroom," she says. The configuration can be customized, and the powdercoated metal panels are available in a range of hues. "I love the pop of color," Beckstedt raves. 90" w. x 14" d. x 23" h.; $3,150; usm.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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This 1968 design features white sliding doors and an olive-wood veneer. "The grain adds richness," says Beckstedt. Story agrees: "I like how it contrasts with the chrome-plated legs. This is sophisticated, with an edge." She'd use the piece as a chic bar. Other finishes are offered. 59" w. x 18" d. x 28" h.; $7,560; suiteny.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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To Beckstedt, this oak-veneered unit is both smart and budget friendly. "It could blend into a lot of contemporary spaces," he says. The center drawers are fl anked by doors that lift up and slide in to reveal shelves—ideal for video games in a play area, he suggests. "The dark finish is handsome," Story adds. The piece also comes in golden-brown. 63" w. x 18" d. x 23" h.; $329; ikea.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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A midcentury classic designed in 1952, this buffet is being reissued in three sustainable veneers, including santos palisander, shown. "The pattern of the wood makes this piece special," says Beck stedt. To him, it's a natural for the dining room, with drawers for placemats and silverware, and shelves to hold platters. Story sees the piece in a study or office. "This would be great paired with a work of art or a beautiful mirror," she says. 67" w. x 19" d. x 29" h. Prices start at $7,199, $15,558 as shown; store.hermanmiller.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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"So cool and funky," Story says of this lacquer-and-brass credenza. "The handles are delicate and architectural—like jewelry." With sliding doors and adjustable interior shelves, the piece offers plenty of storage options, says Beckstedt: "Drinks and food will look great on this." Other colors and finishes are available. 78" w. x 18" d. x 27" h.; $5,400; regenerationfurniture.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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"The faceting is wonderful—it's crisp and modern," says Beckstedt. The grain of the wood veneer follows the angles of the façade, and the doors swing down for easy shelf access. The gold-tinted stainless steel base off sets the cabinet's grand scale, says Story, adding, "This needs a big room." A range of custom options is offered. 92" w. x 25" d. x 31" h.; $15,545; dune-ny.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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Story finds the pairing of Macassar ebony and stainless steel eye-catching: "The materials have an Art Deco luxury, but the lines are so clean." The interior storage of the buffet (available to the trade)—drawers in the center, shelves on each side—is finished in lavender lacquer. "A fun touch," Beckstedt says. Various other finishes are also available. 81" w. x 20" d. x 34" h.; $10,555; dennismiller.com

Produced by Quy Nguyen; Photography by Björn Wallander

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"This is all about the leather," Beckstedt says of the plush paneling on the front of the oak sideboard. "The whole piece is sleek, from the fl ush hardware to the slender legs to the interior gray-glass shelves." Story visualizes this in either a contemporary or traditional dining room: "You can mix it with antiques." 70" w. x 19" d. x 23" h.; $10,980; minottiny.com